Author Archives: janishaag

Tucked under my bedwearing the fuchsia spreadfrom Sears lived in the biggestsquare box I could find in the garagecollection, not too tall but deepenough to hold treasures I carriedindoors that grownups thoughtshould be left outdoors. Bits of metal that, when … Continue reading →

(Jan. 30, 2023) My half birthday this yearfalls on a Mom Monday,so I spend the afternoon drivingaround the one who long agocoached me through the stickybusiness of clutches and shifting,who carried and birthed me64-and-a-half years ago, whopassed on her love … Continue reading →

for Amy Roark Amy must have a gig soon,I think on a Sunday morningas the second-story strains floatfrom her apartment intomy closed windows, which I open in the bathroom,preparing for my shower,partly to let the steam escapebut mostly to hear … Continue reading →

for Lois Mae Haag DietzJan. 29, 1923–Sept. 26, 2006 If she were still here—or we made it to her musicalheaven—wouldn’t she be atthe piano, fingers movingsmoothly over her ownhappy birthday? All of us singing alongin that celestial space—her parents who … Continue reading →

After so much rain,historic, biblical, stupidamounts of rain,we are drying out. And, as the first month of the yearcan sometimes do here,hints of spring tease us withunseasonably warm days,which we happily accept,after so much cold and wet. But already we … Continue reading →

pandiculation (noun): the act of stretching oneself, especially on waking. Example: “After a long session of pandiculation, the bleary-eyed panda rose and set off in search of breakfast.“ —I do the stretch, you do the stretch,the cats stretch in downward … Continue reading →

Waiting to meet a new friendat the big-chain coffee placeoff the freeway—convenientfor many people,for many reasons— I order what you used to:iced green tea, no sweetener,no ice. Medium. Or whateverthey call it. The young barista punchesit into the register, readsmy … Continue reading →

When people ask,Where do the poems come from?orHow do you write a poem every day? I say,First, I have no idea,and second,If I knew, I think they might notshow up. But if I lace up my shoes,head out onto the … Continue reading →

I really love what you’ve done with your hair.Really. That’s such a nice color on your—is it mauve?Lavender? Doesn’t matter; it’s lovely. What a great smile your dog has. And yours matches!I feel smarter/cooler/wiser/enlightened after reading one of your poems.That’s … Continue reading →

We sigh when someone directs us:Don’t think. Then thinking is all we can do.Still. Don’t think. Or try not to. Just open, preferably under a sparklingblue sky washed clean after so much rain,as so many trees have loosened their roots … Continue reading →